PASOK: Lesvos MP Panagiotis Paraskevaidis expelled from the parliamentary group
The Greek political party PASOK expelled Lesvos MP Panagiotis Paraskevaidis due to his controversial remarks about collaborating with dictatorial regimes if Greece were at risk.
The Greek political party PASOK, officially known as Movement for Change, has expelled Panagiotis Paraskevaidis, a Member of Parliament for Lesvos, from its parliamentary group. This decision was prompted by his repeated unacceptable statements that the party deemed detrimental to its political and ideological message. In a formal letter to the President of the Greek Parliament, PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis announced the expulsion, emphasizing that such comments could no longer be tolerated within the party's ranks.
The controversy stems from Paraskevaidis's comments made on the Parliament's channel, where he indicated a willingness to collaborate with anyone, including dictatorial regimes, if Greece's national security was at stake. His statement, "If Greece is in danger, we would collaborate even with the devil, even with dictatorial regimes," sparked outrage, leading to discussions about his suitability as a member of PASOK. This incident highlights the internal divisions within political parties concerning the boundaries of acceptable speech among its members.
This development not only impacts Paraskevaidis personally but also has broader implications for PASOK as it navigates its political messaging amidst critical national issues. By expelling a member for such comments, PASOK aims to maintain its ideological integrity and appeal to a broader electorate concerned about democratic values and governance. The party's actions could influence public perception and voter sentiment ahead of upcoming electoral contests in Greece.